Unique Gifts for Creative Types

We’re going to give the secret away in the first sentence: This is technically a lift of artsy gift ideas, but it’s okay if the only one you’re shopping for is yourself.

A Gift to Encourage Struggling Artists “Magnum Contact Sheets” – A book that shows all the awful pictures famous photographers took before getting the right shot. This book contains 120+ sets of contact sheets from great photographers. The contact sheets reveal the good, bad, ugly and funny from the artists’ attempts. It’s proof that even creative geniuses can’t whip up great art on command. Plus, it’s fun to look through. $75-$100 on Amazon, depending on new or used. https://www....dp/0500543992

A Gift to Get Creative Juices Flowing “104 Things to Paint” – A book of painting prompts. For those who want to paint but just don’t know where to start, this book contains 100+ almost-blank pages for acrylic or watercolor practice. Each page contains a suggestion of what to paint, and the suggestions vary from simple to challenging and from literal to abstract. The manufacturer says the prompts help “spare the painter from the abject terror of an entirely blank page.” Good call! $16.95 from UncommonGoods. http://www.u...ings-to-paint

A Just-Because Gift Miniature Paintbrush Necklace – An elegant necklace with a teensy, real paintbrush pendant. This highly-rated piece of hand-crafted, USA-made jewelry is too adorable not to give to your favorite painter. The beautiful little brush handle and necklace chain are made with gold and sterling silver, with actual paintbrush bristles on the end. $75 on Etsy. https://www....ce-tiny-paint

A Gift to Weather the Ages Rite in the Rain waterproof notebook – A tactical notebook for adventuring artists. Rainy weather is great for creativity. The thick, waxy pages in this pad are water-proof, snow-proof and humidity-proof. Caught in a thunderstorm? You don’t have to wait for it to dry, and it doesn’t smear or smudge. $6.61 on Amazon. https://www....dp/B000ZZTUEM

A Funny but Practical Gift for Painters Pair of Paint Water Mugs – One is designated “paint water” and the other “not paint water” so you theoretically never put your brush in your coffee again. We see it all the time in the Pinot’s Palette studios: A paintbrush dipped into a wine glass, or the painter who stops themselves just in time before taking a swig of murky paint water. Clear up the confusion with these clearly-labeled mugs! An all-around fun gift no matter what the recipient ends up using them for. $28.50 for the pair at The Colossal Shop. http://www.b...nt-water-mugs

An Anti-Procrastination Gift Motivational illustrations by Ryan McArthur. Everyone could use a daily reminder to keep going, to be the best you, to stop procrastinating or to live more fully. All the better when that reminder is as pleasing to look at as these graphic prints. With a few dozen messages to choose from, you’ll be able to find just the right words for your favorite creative-type. From $19.99 per print via Design Different. http://www.d...rative-prints

The Gift to Give When You’re out of Ideas “Playing with Pop-ups” – A hands-on and colorful book about paper crafts. This unusual book is probably not on your recipient’s book shelf yet. It explores the world of high-end, 3D paper art and includes supplies and instructions for 20 beautiful make-at-home projects. From $19.36 on Amazon. https://www....p/1592539084/